C--section vs VBAC

Hi, I have found that the best people to ask are Doulas and Midwifes, as they have done many births with moms who weren't happy with their first experience and will know more women who have done vbacs. There is a site online that has a list of doulas in the area who are licensed. http://www.dona.org/

Good luck I wish you the best,
K.

Hi M. - My job is defending hospitals and obstetricians when they get sued for alleged malpractice related to labor and delivery, including VBAC's. My advice to you would be to get as much information as you can about the risks and benefits of giving vaginal birth after c/s and for a repeat c/s. You should talk to your doctor specifically about each individual risk/benefit for both modes of delivery. You should read ACOG materials (American College of Obstetrician/Gynecologists) about the risks as well, so you can digest the information for yourself. Anecdotal evidence from individuals is interesting and somewhat informative, but overall is pretty inconsequential when it comes to your personal decision. I would advise that if you do choose to deliver vaginally, that you give birth in a hospital that has facilities including (1) immediate access to anesthesia, operating room and all personnel necessary for an emergent c/s delivery if necessary (2) Level 3 nursery and neonatal personnel on site- these facilities have the capability to provide the very best care for a baby born after emergent delivery if something happens. I would not recommend that you try and have this baby at home or in any other place other than the above, however.

Hello M. I had a c-section with my first and while prego w/ my second I asked this question all the way up until the end. I went with v-bac and very happy w/ my decision. You really need to think about it and figure out what would be better for you. Although my c-section was not too bad I had to weigh my options w/ the 2nd. This is what went through my mind of course the risk's of a v-bac but there are risk of a c-section too. I thought it would not be fun to recover from a c-section with a 4 year old and an infant to take care of! AND mostly just the experience of it naturally let my body have another chance at doing what (in my mind) what is was supposed to do!! My 2nd was bigger then my first too. In the end a quicker recovery and a shorter stay in the hospital WELL worth it for me. You need to ask yourself if these things are worth it to you too.
GOOD LUCK!!! Happy delivery!
B.

I would talk to your Dr. I had an Emergency c-section with my son and was considering a VBAC (daughter is 4 mos). My son was just over 6 lbs and became stuck in the birth canal. My OB told me there was a good chance this would happen again and recommended against a v-bac. I can tell you the second c-section was MUCH easy than the first.

I'm a nurse who has nothing to do with labor and delivery. However, I have had 3 c-sections in 3 1/2 years and feel I have a little "expertise" in this area! I can tell you c-sections WITHOUT the labor before are 100x's easier than with labor! I can also tell you that the MD that delivered #1, when asked by me, said that "the risk of uterine rupture is greater and the NEUROLOGICAL DEFICITS of a child who has been born during an emergency c-section because of said uterine rupture is much greater"! The specific reason I asked him this was because, as I was waiting to go into the OR, another mother's uterus did rupture and they had to do an emergency c-section. How did it turn out? I don't really know, but I do know that for me the risk was too great! And she will never be able to have another child.

I'm also friends with 3 L & D RNs who say "do the repeat c-section". So, I don't mean to freak you out, but you can't just blow off the risks as "medical staff want the easy way out". It's just not true, c-sections are much riskier than vag delivery overall and ANY medical personnel can tell you that! Talk to you medical team, talk to L&D nurses at your local hospital, talk to L&D educators as well. They will be honest with you and give you all the risks, for both vag and repeat c-section. Good Luck! It's a touch decision!

Just have another C-section. Why put yourself through all the pain. More than likely your baby will be just as big this time around. I personally have had 2 sections and would not change anything. When you think about it-the procedure is scheduled so you can set up child care for your other child, get yourself and your husbands schedules all set up and things just go so smoothly that way. I would never in a million years to a VBAC but that is my personal opinion. I didn't think the recovery was that bad the first time and I thought it was easier the 2nd time just because you know what to expect. Good luck and Congrats on the new bun in the oven :)

M.,
I believe this is a very personal question that only you can answer but there are so questions you need to ask yourself. Is a vaginal delivery important to me? I have been told by more than one dr (I have three kids) that each baby you have is a little bigger and comes a little faster. I had a 8lb 9 1/2oz baby girl in 5 hours then had 9lb 6oz baby girl in 3 hours so if a c section healing was not that bad for you then I would consider it again. You do have to take into consideration that you have a baby at home already that is going to demand your attention and need your help everyday most of the day where with the first baby when they slept you could relax and sleep if wanted. Not so with the second baby. They are the greatest achievements that you will have do so enjoy them no matter what delivery you decide to have. P.

I had a VBAC and it went great! I also use to work for an OBGYN and had delt with moms that have had the scheduled c-section after already having one and felt it went good and they felt great. I also delt with mom's that attempted and failed at the VBAC and there experience was not so good. They are exausted and sore from the labor and I have been told that having the c-section after the labor is harder. It's been several years since I have worked for the OB GYN but havd heard they no longer recommend the VBAC because the risk is to high for uterian rupture where you had the c-section in the past. I would for sure talk to your care giver and see what they suggest after all they are the experts.

I hope this helped and didn't cause more confusion. Best of luck with your new little one and your decision.

Hi M.,

I had a VBAC for my second son on 12/24/07. My first son was born in June of 2006, in an emergency c-section due to fetal distress.
I have to say I recovered MUCH more quickly from the VBAC than I did the c/s (great for taking care of 2 kids!), and the labor and delivery experience soooooooo much better with the VBAC too!
I would start talking to your OB now about your options and what their opinion is. I would look into the hospital's policy on VBAC delivery - some won't let you do them. I would also research as much as possible, and then weigh your options, including deciding what type of delivery you really want. I completely understand your not wanting to try VBAC only to end up in a repeat c-section, that was my greatest fear too.
I desparately wanted to attempt a VBAC, and my doc was very neutral on the subject, but was willing to let me try. She was not willing to induce my labor though, and wouldn't let me go more than 1 week past my due date. I was 5 days away from my due date and had no cervical changes or indications of labor - I thought for sure we were going to have to schedule a repeat c-section. But by the grace of God, natural labor started on its own on my due date.

Anyway, I could go on and on about it.....so if you want to hear more, please feel free to contact me!
____@____.com

B.

From my experience, I thought that the VBAC was much better than the c-section. My c-section experience was much gentler than yours (water broke, but never went into labor), and I still feel this way.

I found the recovery MUCH easier with the VBAC. Most importantly, though, I was able to pick up and play with my 17 month old son, and I truly think that it made the transition for him much easier, having his mommy be "normal".

Whatever you decide, I hope you feel comfortable with your decision. You'll end up with a beautiful baby regardless!

I had an emergency c-section with my first child and went v-bac with my second. The mother's size doesn't necessarily mean anything in relation to the size of the child or ease of delivery, by the way, BUT family history can tell you a lot. Size of the baby can affect whether or not a v-bac is a good idea or not, since rupture is the concern.

I kept my options open. I scheduled a c-section for a week after my due date, because as has been mentioned by other respondents, my doctor (and most doctors) won't induce a v-bac due to the increased intensity of contractions and risk of rupturing the uterus.

Delivery recovery? I felt like I could go home the night right after the v-bac; it was awesome! C-section? I was like a zombie for a week - it was three days before I was even allowed to have solid food. I can't imagine feeling that way and having to care for a baby and a 4 year old at the same time! It was bad enough when I broke my ankle when my baby was 3 months old - what a nightmare!

Congrats on the new baby! I have one 2.5 year old son. I had a c-section because the doctors predicted that he was nearly 11 pounds. The surgury went well..and I didn't feel a thing. One day later they discovered a massive blood clot in my stomach from the c section. I had a blood transfusion and almost had to go into emergency surgury to remove the blood clot ( I refused the surgury because I was high on morphine and deathly afraid)....this could of turned out really bad but it didn't. Then after 5 days I was able to go home. I thought everything was ok and I felt pretty good.....a couple days after I got home I had really bad night sweats and stomach pain. I went to the doctor to find out I had a major infection where my c section cut was....after 8 weeks of trying 4 different antibiotics that wouldn't get rid of my infection....they had to draw the infection out with a gigantic needle. NOw......ask me if I found out if I wasn't pregnant again today....would I have a c section???.......I can honestly say......I am not sure....because my case was rare but it does happen ....so make sure you make an educated decision and speak with your health care providers to explore every single risks with both methods.....good luck!!

Hi M.....I have 3 sons. The first child I had naturally but it was a struggle. I nearly lost him in delivery but had a wonderful Dr. The second son had to be taken C-section because he was breach and my water had broken 12 hours earlier. He weighed nearly 9 lbs and I never did go into labor because of the baby being breach. The Dr thought I could possibly deliver the 3rd son naturally but we ran into complications w/ him. I went into labor at 7:00 am w/ labor pains about 5 minutes apart. By 4:00 pm, my labor pains were about 20 minutes apart!!! At 5:37, Justin was taken C-section because the cord was wrapped around his head twice...and there were other problems too. All 3 sons are fine, but it was pretty scarey delivering the last 2 sons. My advice, let nature take its course and if you can have the baby naturally, that's great. But if Mother nature has other plans, C-section is the safe way to go.

Michelle, first I'd listen to the doctors opinion. Surgery isn't without risk- infection being one of them. I have had a VBAC and although my bottom was a little sore and the pressure of my daughter coming through the birth canal was like nothing I'd ever felt before the recovery was so much faster. I remember being so tired after my c-section and with my first c-s I had a lot of discomfort but with my third child and second c-s I did not. For pain relief after c-s I found Motrin to be far more effective that narcotics the first time. If your doctor thinks it's feasible to try a VBAC I'd say go for it. K.

Good Afternoon M.,
First let me say congrats on your new little one! It is so exciting to feel that life inside of you, isn't it? I'm a mom of 2 kids and I have had vaginal births, but I felt like I wanted to respond to your email. My husband's cousin's wife Cheryl had a c-section for her first child and attempted to go vaginal with her second. She pushed for 2 hours and they didn't know what was going on - they proceeded with a c. They called her child a miracle child because the place of her c-section ruptured during labor and the child's backbone literally stuck into the tear in the uterus, providing pressure enough that Cheryl didn't bleed out during the process. When they saw that, they were all astounded as most moms in this circumstance usually don't have such a favorable outcome. I just wanted to encourage you to do what your heart says and listen to your doctors. I would say that if you had a c-section the first time and it was a good experience, maybe going with a c the next time would be the safest. Or if your doctors are confident and they will be checking you all through the delivery, it could be fine for a vaginal. Cheryl also had to be induced, so we wonder if the medication used to induce labor just made the uterus work too hard. I have to say that I'm concerned with your frame and the size of your babies... My sister also has had 4 children (her first was 10, 7 and she is very petite as well.) She was only able to give birth vaginally to her kids because her first one blew the way through - leaving a 4th degree tear into her rectal muscle and wall. Let's just say there hasn't been feeling in that region since.....

All in all, the children are so worth all the hassle we moms have to go through aren't they? And they are so sweet so small! I wish you well and God's speed as you welcome this new little life into the world!

M.,

I gave birth to my second son in August and he was a VBAC. My first son was breech and despite every attempt he wouldn’t budge. The C-section was very difficult on me because I had been planning a homebirth and found myself at the complete opposite side of the spectrum in the operating room. For me giving birth not only vaginally but also naturally was very important. I found a great birth center in Okemos and my second son was born into water without drugs. For me it was one of those things I needed to do in life and the experience changed me not only as a mother but also as a women. I discovered a depth of strength I never knew I had. That said I think it really depends on what birth means to you. Many of my friends tell me I am nuts and they just want the baby out and don’t mind how they get there. I think each recovery is different. Both of mine were difficult in different ways. The c-section I ended up with an infection, my dear husband had to do wound care twice a day! With my vaginal birth I lost too much blood and ended up needing a blood transfusion and got hemorrhoids. So I think instead of thinking about recovery, which can be difficult either way, go with how you see your birth.

S. C

I am also petite and had a 9lb 1oz baby naturally. If your next baby is as large or larger then your first, I would highly suggest another c-section. My son did a lot of damage on his way out and it took me months to heal. I think I would have been better off with a c-section and will opt for that next time if I have another large baby.

I had two c-sections and I wouldn't even consider having a natural birth. Seems weird, I know, because there are so many women who wouldn't even consider a c-section. My doctors said they would do whatever I wanted either way. I said, definitely a c-section. Yes, compared to natural birth the recovery is a little longer, but I had a really quick recovery my second time around. The first time, probably because I didn't know what to expect, I had a hard time sitting up in the hospital bed and was basically pretty sore. The second time I was able to get out of bed much quicker and easier and all-around had an easier recovery. Plus, if you know you are having a c-section, you schedule the date with the doctor you want, you get a nice shower, good meal, and rest before the surgery. Finally, you can plan a little better for your first child since you know when you are going to go into the hospital. All of these worked well with me, because we were able to schedule grandma staying with my first born. I know many would criticize this, but I still would never have chosen natural my second time around.

Hi M., I had my first child c-section as his heart rate was too low to deliver naturally. As a result, I was able to deliver my second child naturally. I think it is your decision. You need to decide what is best for the baby and you. I am sure your doctor can give you an estimated weight prior to your due date, which should help you decide what route to go.

I wish you well.

M.

i just went through the same situation with the birth of my second child a month ago. for me, it was not even a question, i went straight for the c-section. i honestly think the second c-section was so much better than the first... perhaps because i didn't have to labor for hours on end! not to mention, we were well prepared for the hospital and had made all of our arrangements for our 2 year old to stay with family and made sure we stocked up on her favorite foods while we were not home.

since you just found out you're expecting, you'll have some time to think about what is really best for you and your baby. and don't worry, you can change your mind a million times! my best advice to you would be to ask your ob at each visit (near the end) how big he or she estimates the baby to be, if you are petite and you are carrying another big baby, a c-section might just be your best option to avoid complications.

at any rate, i wish you the best of luck with your pregnancy and your delivery!

Hi M.,
I had a C-section for my first child and decided to try a VBAC for my second. My doctor told me that it was my decision and I had a 50/50 chance of having him vaginally. So I went through all the labor again and then had another C-section. If I ever had more I would def. go straight for the section. It is your decision so if you are willing to go through the labor again and still have a chance for a section, go for it. Good luck.
Chris

I had a c-section for my first son. I didn't go thru any labor because they found that he was indian style breech at my last checkup before my due date. That recovery was a piece of cake. I had very minimal pain and didn't have much limits other than the weight restriction. The second c-section was a different story. I was in a lot more pain in the recovery. I actually used the pain killers that they prescribed that I didn't need to use for the 1st one. I am not sure what a vaginal birth is like because i just scheduled the c-section and decided that is what I was going to do. I do know that the doctor of the second c-section did not cut in the same place as the first csection and it was lower and that one was more painful. I hope that this helps you and good luck. CONGRATULATIONS on your new baby I wish you all the luck.

I've done both. My first two were born abroad and the oldest was "yanked" out with a suction bell. I felt like my whole insides were being pulled out. Got the episiotomy with it too and everyone was walking around with a tushie cushion to gently sit on.
My second birth was natural and a breeze.
My third was C-section. It wasn't by choice but necessity.

If you're not built for natural birthing, then birth however possible. I mean that's the ultimate goal, right? How you do it is irrelevant.

I had a emergency c-section with my son after 1 1/2hrs of pushing and because my next pregnancy was so close to my first(14mos) and my son was large(9lbs 5oz) my OB wouldn't allow me to try a VBAC because of the risks. I thought it would be better having another c-section because I knew what to expect and I could plan care for my son but I had a complication and my incision had to be opened up at the hospital prior to going home and we had to do dressing changes 3x/day for 3mos and then I needed more surgery so a repeat C-section is not always the answer. Bottom line I'm not trying to scare you but just let you know that surgery can come with complications that you are not even aware of. I am an RN and never thought that I would leave the hospital after having a c-section with an open wound and dressings. VBAC's come with complications too so just talk with your OB and they can direct you what is the best option for you. Also if you plan on having more children it is much easier on your body to have vaginal deliveries where as if you have a c-section now you will always have to have them with any future pregnancies-that is what I am expieriencing now with my 3rd pregnancy. Also recovery time I have heard is much better after a vaginal delivery especially if you have other children to care for because after a c-section you can only lift the baby-no other children. A good friend of mine had a c-section with her first and since has had 3 VBACs without complication and swears that vaginal births are much better compared to her c-section experience. Best of luck to you.
Take care.

Personally, for my second I signed up for a VBAC. When it came to delivery I wasn't progressing and after hours of waiting I just decided to have another C-section. Afterwards the doctor told me it was a good idea because I have a backwards tilting bone that will not allow for natural birth. I don't know how common this is, my aunt on my father's side has it as well and she had 5 C-sections. It was also recommended that I not have but maybe one more C-section. Recovery had been good with both, except with my second I was too active too soon and popped a stitch and was bleeding fairly heavily from the incision. I am scheduled for a C-section for my last baby due in June. I know what I'm getting with the C-section and am okay with the fact that it's my only option. My children were in the lower 8 lb range, so that should be a consideration as well.
I think that if you're okay with the possibility of another c-section and as long as the doctor says there are no risks (I have thin uterine lining at the bottom and some thin spots in the scar area and there could be problems if I went into early labor)you should go for it.
Good Luck and congratulations!

I've givin birth 6times and three were c section i would go vaginal because the healin time was easiest.and i've heard people say the first baby is the hardest i have even found that to be true.good luck and god bless.

I had my second child v bac and let me tell you my third was a c section. I was in so much pain and my son was 9 lb 14 ozs. With my third child they gave me the option to have another vaginal and I said no. then towards the end of the pregnancy the dr estimated the baby to be 9 lbs or more. I couldt go through that again. Turned out my daughter was 8 12 but I was up and walking felt fine the next day. If your realy interested in v bac, get imformation. There are several things that could go wrong. But ultimately you do what is best for you and your circumstance.
Good Luck
S.

I was a VBAC with my second child.It was wonderful to have the baby vaginaly. Within hours I was up walking around and enjoying my new son.

Hi Michelle!

Only you can make that decision. More knowledge will be your asset. I suggest you read "Silent Knife", "Open Season", and books by Ina Mae Gaskin. Midwifery Today is an educational link.

my first child was breech so i had to have a c-section...they tried to move him but he was stubborn. so when i found out we were preggers with number 2 my doc asked if i had thought about how i wanted to do this. i went back and forth the whole time, i wanted to do a natural vaginal birth with number 1, but like i said i couldn't....and the c-section was so easy and i recovered real fast...i was walking around a couple hours after surgery...so then the day comes that i went into labor. up until this point all the ultrasounds and exams said he was in position ready to shoot out. the hospital said i wasn't dialated enough to keep me although i was having CONSTANT contractions. so i went home and walked for 4 hours!!! PAIN. then i called my doc and said i am having constant contractiosn jumping from front to back, get him out now! once i was on teh table all cut open she realized he had flipped breech WHILE i was walkign around and that if i had tried to deliver vaginally he would have kicked right thru my uterus and when i decide to have a 3rd he/she will have to be cesarean... i know, none of that has anything to do with your questions. but i woudl suggest a repeat c. its easier, its faster and you KNOW when it is going to happen. no waiting around for your labor to start and your water to break....just my personal suggestion. goo dluck and CONGRATULATIONS

I had a similar experience as you with my 3rd child. My first two were vaginal births. They were 10 lbs 1 oz and 9 lbs 15 oz. As for VBAC, it really depends on your OB and what kind of cut you had before. Because I was contracting so much while they were trying to do a c-section, my uterus contracted downwards AFTER making the initial cut. I ended up with T shaped cut (internally). I was told I could never deliver vaginally again because of the shape of the cut. You may want to ask you OB for his/her recommendation. Don't be afraid to get a couple of professional opinions.

Hello my daughter is now 4 months but i had a repeat c-section. My first was 10lbs 3oz and 24in long and so they said that if i tried to deliver that i would have a seperated pelvic and i am only 5'3 so i am petite. My c-sec with my first was great i was out and about a few days later. So here i have my second and my dr asked if i would want a v-bac and i said i dont know. So he said well i will do one but the risks are higher for a rupture and well you will have to have an emergency and i said well what is safer and he said the c-sec and well i am looking at making sure my baby gets into this world safe. This time i had a c-sec and it was even better what an easy recovery my friend that had a vag didnt recover as fast as me. So good luck with your decision and congrats on being preggo again.

I would encourage you to try a VBAC if your care provider thinks it would be ok. I would also get a second opinion from another care provider (from a different office). Also, hiring a doula would be a benificial thing. Having labor support at your birth increases a sucessful VBAC exponentially. Email me if you want references to VBAC friendly care providers or doulas.
GOod luck!

Hi M.,
I know that every case is different, but I would like to share a similar situation with my own daughter. My daughter
Kari had trouble with her first delivery (see too is petite),
and delivered by c-section.
When she found out she was pregnant again (18 months later)
she decided to take the classes and try for VBack delivery.
She went through hours and hours of labor and excruciating
pain determined to have a vaginal delivery. Well after all
that she ended up having to have another c-section. Not only
was she worn out, but very disappointed. Her baby was a 7.8
in weight, so not a huge baby.
I'm not saying this will happen to you, but it is always a
possibility. I know there are some that are successful
at vback deliveries.
I would suggest taking the classes and learning more about
it. It is always good to make a really educated decision.
I wish you the best, no matter what you decide to do.
Gramma J.

I had a vaginal birth after a c-section. Depending on how your internal incision is (bikini vs up & down) may determine what you should do. Talk to your doctor. I inquired when I was pregnant with my second child and was told as long as I had a bikini cut on the uterus, everything would be fine. My doc said there is more strain on an old up & down incision during labor. Now, this WAS 19 years ago mind you. If we could have the best of both, a quick c-section and vaginal recovery time, that'd be great! I have to say I preferred vaginal mainly due to the recovery time. When the pain is over, it's over! Best of luck to you!

My first child was 9 lbs, my second was 8 lbs 3 oz.

Go To www.ICAN-ONLINE.ORG

A VBAC is safer for you, and healthier for baby. The risks are very low.

http://www.childbirthconnection.com/ is also a really good resource for information.

Ultimatly you are the only one who can descide what to do. The fact that you know that your baby was positioned wrong is great. You know that it was a fluke, and you can work in this next pregnancy to get this baby into a better position for birth. Your size and the baby's size doesn't really matter. Unless you have unchecked diabetes your body will not grow a baby it cannot birth.

I've had three children, first was vaginal, very easy. Second C-section, he was 9lbs 15oz. Third one I wanted to do vaginal, it was a very hard delivery, should have been C-section, for myself and the baby. My doctor should have given me more information. Talk to your doctor, every person is different. Good luck

Hi M.,

I had my first daughter via c-section after almost 30 hours and 2 1/2 hours of pushing. I recovered quite quickly. I had a c-section scheduled for my second, but he came so quickly and early, that I had a VBAC. My third just turned one and she was VBAC as well. My girls were both close to 9 lbs and I needed forceps for both. I actually recovered more quickly from my c-section than the VBAC's. It is mixed because I enjoyed the process of giving birth vaginally and the accomplishment that I felt. Having my husband cut their cords, etc. I did have nerve damage from the forceps that required catheterization (Sp?.) I don't think I would have changed how things went though. One other thing, I felt emotionally better after VBAC. I had horrible postpartum with my first. I don't know if there was any correlation at all. Maybe it was the first timer thing. Just a thought.

Good luck though. It is a tough decision.

C.

Like you I too had a long labor for my 1st that ended in C-sec & worried the whole time I was pregnant for my 2nd that maybe I should just schedule a 2nd C-sec.... I ended up listening to everyone's advice and going for a natural birth. The two experiences couldn't have been more different! And even though I too thought that the C-sec recovery wasn't too bad, the VBAC recovery was even that much BETTER! Especially with a toddler to take care of, the weight lifting restriction would have been just awful! I also was able to breastfeed my 2nd the day she was born, and had a rough go of it with my 1st born son.

Bottom line: I encourage you to go for it. I also encourage you to take the advice to work with a doula! You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Relax, trust your body, it knows what to do!